There will be a new champion in class 4A. Third ranked Iowa City West outscored second ranked and defending champion Linn-Mar 7-0 to close out overtime in a 65-58 win in the 4A semifinals.
Ally Disterhoft who led the Women of Troy with 17 points says the win was “incredible” to make it to state the first time in school history and then make the championship. It looked early on like the game would not even be close.
Linn-Mar raced out to an 18-4 lead and led it 20-8 at the end of the first quarter. Disterhoft says their motto all year is to “never give up” and she says that’s what they did again today. Iowa City West turned things around in the second quarter by outscoring the Lions 24-8.
Linn-Mar coach Mike Brandt says the quick start was nice, but they new they faced a run and he credits Iowa City West with playing a great game. The Lions struggled against Iowa City West’s pressure and finished with 17 turnovers. Brandt says they knew it was coming, but made some bad passes and had turnovers that gave Linn-Mar momentum.
The turning point came with 2:16 remaining in overtime when Linn-Mar standout Kiah Stokes fouled out. The Lions failed to score the remainder of the game. Stokes sent the game to overtime with a three pointer from the top of the key in the final seconds of regulation. She finished the game with 22 points and 18 rebounds.